CONFIDENCE GALORE

South Coast Pirates eye KRU Championship trophy

Pirates will host Impala at Seacrest grounds in Diani, Kwale County on Saturday

In Summary

•Pirates are favourites to lift the second-tier league trophy since they have not lost at home this season. The last time they lost at home was against Nondies in the year 2022.

•At the same time, former Kenya Cup side Kisii RFC face Sigalagala National Polytechnic in the Western region finals at Sigalagala on Saturday.

 

South Coast Pirates players pose for a photo during a recent match
South Coast Pirates players pose for a photo during a recent match
Image: HANDOUT

South Coast Pirates host Impala RFC in the KRU Championship final on Saturday at Seacrest grounds in Diani, Kwale County.

South Coast Pirates beat Daystar Falcons 30-15 in the semi-final while Impala narrowly edged hosts Masinde Murilo University of Science and Technology (MMUST) 12-11 to book a place in the finals.

South Coast Pirates and Impala also qualified for the Kenya Cup, where they will replace relegated Homeboyz and Catholic University’s Monks. Impala returns to Kenya Cup after a two-year hiatus.

Pirates are favourites to lift the second-tier league trophy since they have not lost at home this season. The last time they lost at home was against Nondies in the year 2022.

“We want to end our season on a high by lifting the KRU championship trophy,” said South Coast Pirates head coach Kevin Amiani.

Speaking ahead of their Kenya Cup bow, Amiani said maintaining their top-tier league status will be their main target.

 “Our main goal will be to maintain our Kenya Cup status and we will release our plans soon,” said Amiani.

He hailed Base Titanium, Hemmingways, Safari Beach Hotel, Atlas Foundation, and local businessmen for supporting the team.

“I also want to thank our fans. They played a key role in our campaign,” said Amiani.

At the same time, former Kenya Cup side Kisii RFC face Sigalagala National Polytechnic in the Western region finals at Sigalagala on Saturday.

Kisii, coached by Lee Aristone, are seeking to qualify for the KRU Championship. “Sigalagala are a physical side. We expect a tough encounter but I’m confident of a win,” said Aristone.

In the playoffs, Shamberere Institute will host Maseno University. In Rift Valley, Project 61 will battle it out with Moi University at Eldoret Polytechnic while Stallions host AP Warriors at Kabete National Polytechnic.

In Central, Zetech Oaks play MKU Thika at Zetech University grounds in Mang’u. Technical University of Mombasa’s Marines invite Kilifi RFC for the Coast region finals.